Hiekmann retires

By Susan Westemeyer

German Torsten Hiekmann has retired from pro cycling. The 27 year-old turned pro in 2001 with Team Telekom, and rode for Team Gerolsteiner in 2006 and 2007. "I had already decided to stop with cycling as of the end of last year," he told radsport-aktiv.

Hiekmann was not offered a new contract with Gerolsteiner for this season, and he decided at that time not to look for another team. "I couldn't find a solution for myself for the very obvious problems [doping in cycling - ed.] and don't see a future for myself. I did my best for years and trained hard, and brought in a win or two. But it was hard to do anything against certain riders – everyone knows who I mean."

In addition to concentrating on his family, the Berliner wants to stay associated with cycling. He obtained a "B" trainer license and took classes as a nutrition advisor.

Hiekmann won the final stage in the Regio Tour in 2006 and the GP Schwarzwald in 2003. In 1997, he was the U19 time trial world champion.